module specification

This module builds upon the critical appraisal of the current global context in which businesses move operations and resources across the world. Firstly trends about the world becoming more integrated and national borders becoming less significant are reviewed critically. Issues emerging from the growing economic interdependence worldwide – including long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth – which impact on business organisations are then examined focusing on the strategic and operational viewpoint. The assessment will consist of a consultancy simulation where students will work together on researching and presenting concrete examples of challenges faced by managers operating internationally. Research will focus on industries evolving and expanding into the world’s emerging markets. Students will be encouraged as much as it is possible to draw on knowledge and experience from their 

• A (business) world without borders – evidence, development and trends; a critical review of trade arrangements, cross border movements of people and capital, foreign direct investment, market entry arrangements
• International competitiveness – firms and market structures, global rivalry and international competition, with reference to current  trends in international business organisations
• Strategic and operational issues arising from economic integration in the world economy –   international finance and currencies; international marketing; international operations; international human resource management and labour markets
• The business of international business is culture – managing differences, diversity, cross-cultural communication, understanding and cooperation in international business
• Doing business internationally – Simulation of consultancy projects; putting it all together

The module’s teaching and learning strategy was designed to develop the following set of skills: Academic writing; Academic reading;  Evaluating sources; Problem solving and application; Critical thinking and analysis; Communication - interpersonal working with others; IT literacy; Self-assessment and reflection; Creativity; Career management

The case study approach is a major feature of Business Management education as it provides opportunities to explore the practical applications of theoretical principles in a variety of contexts. Some of the time will be spent researching and exploring organisations facing special challenges as they become international and evolve in increasingly global industries. This aims to develop your sense of observation, your understanding and critical evaluation of international business processes and practices. Visiting speakers will complement the themes explored in this module by presenting more in-depth issues to help you appreciate the far reaching consequences of integration (at global level) of economies and societies.

The module teaching will be delivered through a distributive blended learning model and a Virtual Learning Environment. You will access extensive resources embedded in the VLE, through which you will work both collaboratively and individually. The assessment is designed in such a way that you will be able to build your confidence through exercises where you will receive formative feedback before completing assignments that will count towards the final grade. 

The overall weekly contact will be 2 hours, which means that you are expected to spend an additional 1-2 hours on self-directed and collaborative work (reading, discussions and own/group research, and assessment). The module teaching will be delivered through a workshop combination of lectures and tutorials, where lectures will gradually be released on a VLE. From the key principles and themes conveyed through lectures and learning materials, specific questions will emerge and learning tasks will be set.

You will be given ‘Home Study’ questions on a regular basis to help you prepare for the next time we meet. You will be able to make the most of the time in class if you go through the material (articles, texts, case study, video and so on) before coming and look at the suggested questions yourself before the group meets. This way you will be much more benefit to others as you make your contributions during the discussion, and get more out of each session personally.

1. Understand the global background context - political, economic, societal, technological, financial – in which businesses operate and shift resources across the world
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of developments in International Business Management and its wider context, particularly issues of cultural diversity
3. Interpret, critically analyse and apply concepts, models and a range of analytical tools appropriately and strategically for managers 

Bartlett, C A & Beamish, P W (7th ed. 2013) Transnational Management – Text, Cases and Readings in Cross-Border Management, New York, USA: McGraw-Hill, 762pp
Branine, M (2011) Managing Across Cultures – Concepts, Policies and Practices, Sage, London: UK, 606pp
Crane, R (2000) European Business Cultures, Harlow, UK: Financial Times Prentice Hall, Pearson Education, 215pp
Daniels, J D, Radebaugh, L H & Sullivan, D P (14th ed. 2011) International Business – Environments and Operations, New Jersey, USA: Pearson Prentice Hall, 882pp
Kelly, P (2009) International Business and Management, USA: South Western, Cengage Learning, 591pp
Robbins, S P & Coulter M (12th ed. 2014) Management, Global Edition, Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Ltd, Always Learning, 720pp
Rugman, A M & Collinson, S (6th ed. 2012) International Business, Harlow, UK: Financial Times Prentice Hall, 716pp
Schneider, S C & Barsoux, J L (2nd ed. 2003) Managing Across Cultures, Harlow, UK: Financial Times Prentice Hall, Pearson Education Ltd, 330pp
Sitkin, A & Bowen, N (2013) International Business – Challenges and Choices, Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 422pp
Som, A (2009) International Management: Managing the Global Corporation, Maidenhead, UK: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 611pp

Some of the above are in E-BOOK format and updates are regularly advertised by the University’s libraries.

Journals and periodicals: International Business Review; Journal of International Business Studies; Management International Review; Management Today; The Professional Manager.
• González López and others ““Gestión del Comercio Exterior”. Chap.5, pages 120 – 137. Chap.8, pages 223 – 239. Chap.10, pages 263 – 280.
• Cabello Pérez, M. (2009) “Las aduanas y el comercio internacional”. Chapter 17 pages 109-114.
• Jerez Riesco, José Luis. “Comercio internacional”. Chap.2, pages 71-80 (till “La evolución de los Incoterms”). Chap.5, pages 235 – 264.
• Hill, Charles W.L. “International Business: Competing in the Global Marketlace”. Pages 222 (from “Antidumping Actions”) –226; 228-229.
• http://www.searates.com/reference/incoterms/ (Incoterms 2010 by the International Chamber Commerce).
• Hill, Ch. W.L. “International Business”, Chap.1, pages 5-38. Chap.5, pages 165- 197. Chap.6, pages 216-228.
• González López and others ““Gestión del Comercio Exterior”. Chap.1, pages 21 – 29. Chap.5, pages 113 – 120 (till “Los regimens comerciales a la importación”).
• Jerez Riesco, José Luis. “Comercio internacional”. Chap.1, pages 11-67Madrid.
• Cabello Pérez, M. (2009) “Las aduanas y el comercio internacional”. Pages 149-162, 189-198, 213 – 227, 231 - 256.
• Jerez Riesco, José Luis. “Comercio internacional”. Chap.3, pages 149 - 188.
• González López and others ““Gestión del Comercio Exterior”. Chap.11, pages  287 – 321, Chap.12, pages 325 – 343.
• •  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/faq/faq_1178_en.htm (Taxation  and Customs Union).
• http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/business-law- advisor/free-trade-zones-what-are-they-and-how-can-smal
• Behar, A., Manners, Ph., Nelson, B. (2011) “Export and international Logistics”. Policy Research Working Paper Series 5691, The World Bank. (annex)
• Hill, Charles W.L. “International Business: Competing in the Global Marketlace”. Chapter 9 pages 291 – 293 (till “levels of Economic Integration”); pages 302 – 306 (“The establishment of the euro”); chapter 10 pages 337 – 363; Chapter 11 pages 367 – 398.
• Jaime Eslava, J. and Gómez Cáceres, D. “Financiación Internacional de la Empresa”. Chapter 2 pages 67 – 99, Chapter 3 pages 101 – 129. Chapter 5 pages 217 – 224. Chapter 7 pages 270 – 280. Chapter 8 pages 305 - 317
• Jerez Riesco, José Luis. “Comercio internacional”. Chapter 4 pages 191 – 232.
• Hill, Charles W.L. “International Business: Competing in the Global Marketlace”. Chapter 3 pages 89 – 121. Chapter 4 pages 125-152. 
• Jerez Riesco, José Luis. “Comercio internacional”. Chapter 6 pages 265 – 296.
• Manuel Dasí, F. Martínez-Vilanova Martínez, R. “Técnicas de negociación: un método práctico”. Chapter 1 pages 23-36. Chapters 8 – 10 pages 161 – 215.